With Language Brings Light: Narratives by Deaf Ethiopians and their Right to Sign Language

<p>The goal of this case study is to share the narratives of Deaf individuals in Ethiopia and how the Deaf community uses Deaf Community Cultural Wealth in order to explore and flourish in audist and colonized spaces. This study engaged photovoice, in a participatory action research technique that can empower and enhance the community’s sense of identity (Wang & Burris, 1997). This study considers the influence of American missionaries and how colonization of African nations has also influenced the trajectory of Deaf education in Ethiopia. Moving away from deficient thinking, DCCW attempts to reframe the Deaf experience as one that has value and cultural knowledge that, if given a voice, can benefit society as a unified whole. This study considers the Deaf community as a cultural and linguistic minority that has the right to accessible language, sign language, from birth and Deaf role models that foster DCCW in the younger generation of Deaf youth.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Human Rights Education (HRE)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

International and Multicultural Education (IME)

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Eugster, Jackie M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Monisha Bajaj

• Deaf Studies
• American Sign Language
• Ethiopian Sign Language
• Community Cultural Wealth
• photovoice
• language rights
• Other Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/219

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:thes-1284